Abstract
AbstractThis study investigated the impact of three adjacent land use systems [land under arable cropping (ARL), cattle grazing fallow (GFL) and Jatropha curcas L. Orchard (JCL)] on selected soil physical quality indicators in a Northern Nigeria Savanna Alfisol. GFL had significantly higher organic carbon content (26.2–32.1% higher) and bulk density (4.5–9.2% higher) than JCL and ARL respectively. Higher bulk density (ρb) in GFL aided by trampling induced compaction resulted in its high relative field capacity (RFC), permanent wilting point (PWP) and micro-pore spaces (PMIC). Continuous tillage in ARL created loose soil in the plough layer (<20 cm) which turn out to its low bulk density (ρb) and high plant-available water capacity (PAWC), total pore spaces (f) and macro-pore spaces (PMAC) over JCL and GFL. Total nitrogen content, dry stability of large macro-aggregate fractions [5–2 mm, (LMag)] and mean weight diameter (MWD) were higher in JCL than GFL and ARL to about 47.2–60.6, 12.5–68.8 and 8.57–44.76%...
Highlights
In a quest to respond to the demand of ever-increasing population, agricultural intensification has been the only feasible option
Description of the study area The research was conducted at the experimental farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Sabon Gari LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria located at 11°11′19.3′′N and 007°37′02.16′′E, and 686 m above the sea level (Figure 1)
Soil sampling and preparation The study consists of three adjacent land use systems, namely: (i) >3 years land under arable cropping (Hereafter referred to as ARL) tilled by disc plough and was cropped with maize in 2008 and 2009, and cowpea in the 2010 rainy seasons respectively. (ii) >3 years cattle grazing fallow (Hereafter referred to as GFL) dominated by the following grass and shrub species; Cyperus rotundus L., Andropogon gayanus L., Loudetia annua, Piliostigma reticulatum, Daniellia oliveri and Guera senegalensis. (iii) >3 years Jatropha Orchard (Hereafter referred to as Jatropha curcas L. Orchard (JCL))
Summary
In a quest to respond to the demand of ever-increasing population, agricultural intensification has been the only feasible option. Agricultural intensification with inappropriate land use has culminated in significant soil degradation. It has been estimated that about 65% of agricultural land in subSaharan Africa (SSA) is degraded because of water and soil erosion, chemical and physical degradation (Scherr, 1999). Most of the soils have a small amount of organic matter content and high sand proportion in the surface layers which make them physically fragile and susceptible to degradation (Salako, Hauser, Babalola, & Tian, 2001). Intensive agriculture through continuous and at the same time inappropriate cropping systems and poor soil management as imposed by demographic pressures has resulted in serious degradation of the fragile soils and an ensuing poor crop performance. The challenge now is to learn how to manage these soils for long-term productivity and improve environmental integrity
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